In Memory of Caroline Henderson

(11/11/47-11/22/23)

Lancaster Clay Studios

Caroline Henderson started Lancaster Clay Studios in the early ‘90’s in a building with no heat or running water. By the mid ‘90’s it was housed in the basement of her home, an 18th century creamery. From there, it flourished, a place where beginners and advanced potters learned and worked, side-by-side.

By the 2000’s Caroline had moved the growing studio to Main St. Landisville. A bright and well equipped pottery studio, where wheels hummed and quiet conversation transpired at the hand-building table. During this time Caroline was also an inspirational pottery teacher at Lancaster County Day School and active in promoting ceramics in the Lancaster Scholastic Arts show for high school students. She delighted in sharing her wealth of knowledge with young and mature students alike.

Over the years Caroline initiated many pottery students to the pleasures of working in clay and supported potters in finding their own creative styles and in exploring the complexities of glazing and firing.

During the pandemic, Caroline moved the studio to a larger warehouse space in East Petersburg. And then moved the studio once more, back to Landisville, in 2022. Where it currently resides, in the building of an old recording studio.  

With Caroline’s passing, Danielle Lillich, whose passion for pottery was kindled and nurtured under Caroline’s guidance at the studio, has taken over Lancaster Clay Studios. Danielle hopes to run it much in Caroline’s spirit as a place where potters can explore their creativity in clay.